Washington Redskins OTAs: Latest Player Reports and Analysis

Washington Redskins OTAs: Latest Player Reports and Analysis

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USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Redskins concluded Week 1 of organized team activities (OTAs) Thursday, and while it's too early to make any bold proclamations after a few non-contact practices in May, the storylines are still aplenty.

Let's dive into the key takeaways from Thursday's session at Redskins Park, which was open to the media.

Before the hamstring pull, ESPN 980's Chris Russell noted that Jackson made an over-the-shoulder grab in stride from Robert Griffin III and was also used on a reverse—a small sample size of things to come this fall.

RG3 Progressing, High-Fives All Around

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Richard Lipski/Associated Press

Griffin's offseason will continue to be dominated by learning a new offense and building chemistry with his receivers, but it shouldn't be discounted that his own personal improvement as a quarterback is paramount to the Redskins' success in 2014.

Robert Griffin III worked on being more consistent with his mechanics in the offseason and there was a difference. The past two years his base was wider as the Redskins wanted to shorten the stride. He also got into a habit of holding the ball lower, leading to a longer windup when he threw.

But in practice Thursday, Griffin held the ball higher – at the top of the numbers. He also threw with a more narrow base. He likes doing this because he feels more free, giving him the ability to bounce the pocket a little better. Not every quarterback throws with the same base, much like not every hitter uses the same stance at the plate.

Griffin has always come across as a willing learner; it should come as little surprise that after a nightmare 2013, he's already working to change his game for the better.

Griffin is also fully committed to regaining his role as the unquestioned leader of the team. NFL Network's Jeff Darlington took notice of the 24-year-old's enthusiasm:

I've never seen someone slap hands with more teammates in a one-hour span than RG3 has done over the last hour. He's high five happy!

Last season Griffin's leadership was, at times, called into question and former head coach Mike Shanahan did very little to defend his quarterback. This offseason has acted as a clean slate for Griffin and it's evident that the joy of playing football is back.

Tanard Jackson, Phillip Thomas Impress

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Alex Brandon/Associated Press

When the Redskins elected to not draft a safety earlier this month, it signaled their hope that someone from the current roster would play himself into a meaningful role once the regular season started.

Again, it's premature to assume that productive spring practices translate to regular-season success, but safeties Tanard Jackson and Phillip Thomas are two players to watch as the offseason rolls along.

Jackson has caught the eye of many at Redskins Park, including Gruden:

Gruden on S Tanard Jackson: "He doesn't look like he's been away for two years." Said he's in great shape and "has done a great job."

Veterans Ryan Clark and Brandon Meriweather are tentatively penciled-in as the starters, but Washington would benefit greatly if both Jackson and Thomas eventually emerged as reliable contributors in the secondary.

High Praise for Keenan Robinson

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Patrick Semansky/Associated Press

It's been long debated as to who will replace London Fletcher at starting inside linebacker in 2014.

In addition to re-signing Perry Riley this offseason, the Redskins also signed free agents Akeem Jordan and Darryl Sharpton to provide both depth and competition at the position.

The somewhat forgotten man, though, is Keenan Robinson.

Robinson, who missed all of last season due to a torn pectoral, was running with the first-team defense Thursday, along with Riley. He was also making the defensive calls, according to CSN Washington's Tarik El-Bashir.

Gruden spoke glowingly of Robinson after practice:

Gruden praises Keenan Robinson mentally and physically. "We have high hopes for Keenan....he's a guy on the field that really stands out"

It's a positive sign that Robinson is not only running with the starters but also is making the calls on defense. Talent has never been the issue with Robinson, health has. His familiarity working in defensive coordinator Jim Haslett's system gives him the inside track to winning the starting job.

Odds and Ends

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Rick Osentoski/Associated Press

Barry Cofield Recovering

Gruden confirmed that defensive tackle Barry Cofield underwent offseason hernia surgery, but he should be ready to go "at least by the start of training camp."

Jordan Reed Healthy

Gruden sang the praises of tight end Jordan Reed and also said the second-year player is in good health:

Gruden on TE Jordan Reed: "One of the more talented young TEs in the league." Said Reed's experienced no recent concussion-related problems.